Description
This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for cozy gatherings. The pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked in a fragrant apple cider sauce with aromatic herbs and spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 lb Pork Shoulder (bone-in recommended)
- 2 tbsp Neutral Cooking Oil
- 2 cups Fresh Apple Cider
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium optional)
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Dried Minced Onion
- 1 head Garlic
- 3 sprigs Rosemary
- 4 sprigs Thyme
- 1 Red Onion (thick rounds)
- 2 Firm, Tart Apples (peeled and wedged)
- Kosher Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the neutral cooking oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder until it’s golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- While the pork sears, whisk together the fresh apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and dried minced onion in a separate bowl. This mixture will be your braising liquid.
- Prepare a bouquet garni by tying the rosemary and thyme sprigs together. Slice the head of garlic in half horizontally.
- Pour the prepared cider mixture over the seared pork in the Dutch oven. Add the bouquet garni and the halved garlic head to the pot.
- Cover the Dutch oven tightly and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the pork for approximately 3 hours, flipping it halfway through the cooking time.
- After 3 hours, check the pork for tenderness. It should be easily flaked with a fork.
- Add the red onion rounds and apple wedges to the pot around the pork.
- Cover the pot again and return it to the oven for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the pork, onions, and apples are very tender.
- Once cooked, let the pork rest in the braising liquid for 30 minutes before serving.
- Before serving, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve the apple cider braised pork warm, spooning the pan juices over the top. It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a touch of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, consider using bone-in pork shoulder.
- Ensure you use fresh apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, for the correct flavor profile.
- Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended to balance the richness of the pork.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and often taste better as the flavors meld.
- For longer storage, freeze portions with the cooking liquid for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven to maintain tenderness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Braising, Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Apple Cider Braised Pork, Pork Shoulder, Braised Pork, Apple Cider Sauce, Slow Cooker Pork, Easy Pork Recipe, Tender Pork, Cozy Meal